November 2/12 14:37 pm - Invacare to Support Paralympic Program with Wheelchairs & Hand Cycles

Posted by Editor on 11/2/12

In a bid to make sports more accessible for Canadians with a disability, the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) is pleased to announce a new, four-year corporate partnership with Invacare Canada, a leading manufacturer of wheelchairs for both everyday use and competitive sports.

As an official supplier to the CPC, Invacare will supply equipment to CPC's Para-Equipment Fund, which awards grants and equipment to local, provincial and national sports organizations. Invacare will supply wheelchairs for such sports as wheelchair tennis, wheelchair basketball, and athletics; as well as hand cycles.

"It can be prohibitively expensive for kids with a disability to get involved in sport, and that's something we are committed to changing," said Henry Storgaard, CEO of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. "This partnership will help nurture the hopes and dreams of more kids with disabilities, allowing them to participate and be active through Invacare's product lines - and maybe even one day compete for Canada at the Paralympic Games!"

Did you know?

• A pair of quality running shoes cost $150, but a wheelchair to race in is worth $3,000;• Getting outfitted to ski for an able-bodied kid costs $800, but a sit-ski price tag is $3,200;• A pair of hockey skates cost $150, while a sledge for sledge hockey is valued at $600.

"We at Invacare Canada are thrilled to be working with the CPC," said Vince Morelli, General Manager, Invacare Canada. "This relationship will allow us to work towards our goal of making life's experiences possible - whether providing opportunities for young people with disabilities to enjoy a healthy lifestyle or supporting the achievements of our outstanding group of elite Canadian Paralympic athletes competing at multi-sport Games."